08/19/2025
Is your footwear helping your feet—or hurting them? In this short guide, Dr. James Yakel, sports medicine podiatrist and former MLS Physician explains the essential features that make a good shoe and the quick, at-home tests you can use before you buy.
What you’ll learn:
1. The ideal toe box width (and why cramped toes cause pain)
2. A firm heel counter for better rearfoot control
3. Proper flex point (where the shoe should bend)
4. Balanced cushioning & stability for everyday wear or running
5. Fit tips that reduce hotspots, blisters, and plantar fasciitis flare-ups
6. When to retire your shoes before they hurt you
If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, neuromas, bunions, or shin splints, the right shoe can make a big difference. For personalized assessment or gait analysis, schedule a visit with Dr. Yakel at the Colorado Center for Podiatric Sports Medicine.
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